centrist

noun

cen·​trist ˈsen-trist How to pronounce centrist (audio)
1
often capitalized : a member of a center party
2
: a person who holds moderate views
centrism noun
centrist adjective

Examples of centrist in a Sentence

The candidate hopes to appeal to centrists nationwide. the centrists will most likely rally behind the candidate who favors reforming the government program—not abolishing it entirely
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kirchner was succeeded, in 2015, by Mauricio Macri, a free-market centrist. Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025 For centrists, health-care reform has been a matter of experts telling the people what to do, a model that was tested to destruction by Anthony Fauci during the pandemic. Adrian Wooldridge, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025 Cuomo has sought to establish himself as the main centrist in the race, focusing on voters’ concerns about crime and emphasizing his leadership experience. Jared Gans, The Hill, 26 Mar. 2025 But Johnson is getting hit from both sides, as both centrists and hardliners’ skepticism of the bill is leading to a possible delay in the process. Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for centrist

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of centrist was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Centrist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centrist. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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